Question 294 of 919
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```sql
CREATE DATABASE SCOPED CREDENTIAL [https://mystorageaccount.blob.core.windows.net/data]
WITH IDENTITY = 'SHARED ACCESS SIGNATURE',
SECRET = 'sv=2022-11-02&ss=b&srt=sco&sp=rw&se=2025-01-01T00:00:00Z&st=2024-01-01T00:00:00Z&spr=https&sig=...';
CREATE EXTERNAL DATA SOURCE [MyDataSource]
WITH (
LOCATION = 'https://mystorageaccount.blob.core.windows.net/data',
CREDENTIAL = [https://mystorageaccount.blob.core.windows.net/data]
);
CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE [dbo].[ExternalTable]
(
[ProductID] INT,
[ProductName] NVARCHAR(100)
)
WITH (
LOCATION = 'products/',
DATA_SOURCE = [MyDataSource],
FILE_FORMAT = [ParquetFormat]
);
```You are analyzing the SQL script in the exhibit. This script is used to query data stored in Azure Blob Storage from Azure SQL Database. What is the primary purpose of the database scoped credential?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the credential's role with the external data source's LOCATION or the external table's schema, but the credential is strictly an authentication mechanism, not a metadata or location definition.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To store the shared access signature token for accessing the blob storage.
The database scoped credential in this context securely stores the Shared Access Signature (SAS) token required to authenticate and authorize access to Azure Blob Storage. When creating an external data source with the CREDENTIAL option, SQL Database uses this credential to pass the SAS token to the storage endpoint, enabling read operations for PolyBase or external table queries.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
To store the shared access signature token for accessing the blob storage.
Why this is correct
The credential holds the SAS token for authentication.
- ✗
To define the file format of the external data.
Why it's wrong here
File format is defined separately.
- ✗
To specify the schema of the external table.
Why it's wrong here
Schema is defined in the CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE statement.
- ✗
To provide the location of the external data source.
Why it's wrong here
Location is specified in the external data source.
Quick reference
Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison
| Tier | Storage Cost | Retrieval Cost | Latency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Highest | Lowest | Immediate | Active data, frequent reads |
| Cool | Lower | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / month |
| Cold | Lower still | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / quarter |
| Archive | Lowest | Highest + rehydration delay | Hours | Long-term compliance retention |
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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